New Zealand half year drowning toll lowest on record

Preliminary drowning figures show 35 people drowned in New Zealand during the first six months of 2014 (to 30th June), the lowest mid‐year drowning toll since records began in 1980.

The figure - which doesn’t yet include any deaths deemed drowning related by the Coroner - is also 35% down on the five‐year mid‐year average of 43 deaths.

Water Safety New ZealandChief Executive Matt Claridge says the comparatively low number of drownings is a positive sign that water safety efforts are beginning to make a difference.

Claridge states “it’s promising to see the number of drownings are declining, especially for some of our high risk groups such as boaties

“(However), there’s no room for complacency (as) one drowning is one too many and if we are to continue to reduce the drowning toll we need all New Zealanders to make water safety a priority.”

The greatest number of drownings so far this year occurred as a result of an immersion incident (11 deaths) – this includes falls or slips into water as well as rescuing others.

Five people drowned while rescuing others – up on the five‐year mid‐year average of 0.6.

The highest toll from a recreational activity year to date is swimming (seven deaths), although this is down 42% on the five‐year mid‐year average.

Rivers are the environment with the highest drowning toll so far this year at nine deaths. However, this is down 36% on the five‐year mid‐year average.

The five drownings in a beach environment in the half year are down 67% on the five‐year midyear average ‐ with no Auckland beach drowning fatalities so far this year.

Claridge says while water safety is unlikely to be top of mind during colder months, drowning is a year round issue in this country, adding “we need New Zealanders to take the initiative and upskill themselves when it comes to water safety. Always keep small children within arm’s reach around water, make sure your children are learning to swim, and if you’re the skipper of a boat ‐ get yourself educated on safe boating.”

Surf Life Saving New Zealand Chief Executive Paul Dalton agrees, saying those planning their summer holidays during the coming months should take water safety into consideration when deciding their beach destination.

Dalton explains “those heading for the beach this Christmas (or anytime) should choose to holiday near a patrolled beach – details can be found at www.findabeach.co.nz – where they can swim between the flags and feel safe in the knowledge there are highly skilled lifeguards on hand.”

Claridge says the organisations making up New Zealand’s water safety sector are working hard to educate and inform, but individuals also need to take responsibility for their own safety.

He concludes “in an ideal world I’ll be announcing no change on the half year toll come 1 January 2015, but if that’s to be achieved the entire nation needs to get on board.”

For more information visit the Water Safety New Zealand website at www.watersafety.org.nz

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